DHS Special Events Program and Support Act

This bill would create a formal program at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review and help improve security for pre-planned special events that are not labeled as National Special Security Events (those are the very large events like presidential inaugurations, major international summits, and major sporting events). DHS would assess threats, vulnerabilities, and potential consequences of terrorism or other security risks tied to these events, and provide security and situational awareness support as needed .

The bill also sets a clear, voluntary request process so federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials can ask DHS for an event assessment and possible support. DHS must use a risk-based review, allow faster reviews when needed, and reassess if appropriate. It further directs DHS to research new tools and techniques to better support mass gatherings, while protecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

• Who is affected: DHS; federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials who plan or oversee events.
• What changes: A formal DHS program, a standard request process, risk-based and expedited reviews, and research to improve security support for mass gatherings, with safeguards for rights and privacy .